by Peggy Tee

Created on: August 15, 2011   Last Updated: August 16, 2011

Europe offers the intrepid traveler everything from vibrant, urban cities to medieval history, and fairlytale Gothic castles to untouched pockets of wild countryside. Traveling across Europe is easy due to the comprehensive network of planes, trains, buses and roads available there and many travelers criss-cross European countries with ease. The best ways to travel across Continental Europe is by plane, train or bus, or a combination of the three.

Plane

Europe's cities are well served by air networks. The major hubs are London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Paris, but there are also smaller regional airports dotted across Europe. There are many budget airlines that service European routes such as Easyjet and Ryanair; these airways are cheap and fly often. Traveling by plane across Europe will save you time, and flights can often be more cost effective than train tickets. However, travellers have to be wary of how hidden costs may start to add up on plane tickets, and how certain airports may be located many hours away from main cities, which erodes the time and cost benefits from catching planes.

Train

Trains are an excellent mode of transport across Europe, especially in Germany and Switzerland. Punctual, safe, clean, comfortable and efficient, European trains are the preferred way to travel for most travellers. Possibly the best way to travel across Europe is via the Eurail Pass, a train ticket that allows you to catch trains across Europe for a specified length of time. Prices vary depending on the ticket and length of time you choose. You can also create your own customized pass - travel through three bordering countries for 5 days within a 2 month period for about $300. Youths under 26 years, children, students and pensioners are eligible for special rates. Trains are a fantastic way of seeing the countryside and as train stations are usually located within the heart of cities, you don't have to waste time transferring from airports to hotels.

 Bus

Buses are the cheapest transport option available. If you are budget conscious and have lots of time on your hands, this is the best way to travel across Europe. You can either join a bus tour which will wind its way through a variety of different countries, or you can cobble together your own itinerary and simply buy bus tickets from one city to the next as you choose. A good way of saving money on accommodation as well as time spent on traveling is to book overnight buses - you board a bus at night and disembark in a new city in the morning.

The best way to travel across Europe will depend on your own individual needs and preferences. Time poor travelers may prefer taking planes, while those who want to see more of the countryside may want to catch buses and trains overland on the scenic route. Trains are, on balance, safe, efficient and quick, and if you travel in First Class, your comfort is guaranteed. Furthermore, train travel in Europe is very popular and there are many routes available for travelers. You may want to combine air, rail and coach travel while you are in Europe - often a combination of these three methods of transport will yield an optimum balance of value, price, speed and comfort.

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